Open Records Laws › Seychelles

Seychelles

Access to Information Act

Access to Information Act, 2018 (Act 17 of 2018)

RTI Rating: 108 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
21 days
Extension
21 days
Residency Required
None

21 calendar days from receipt. Extension of up to 21 additional days for large volume of records, consultation requirements, or third-party notice. Requester must be notified of extension.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • {'notes': 'Written request to public body', 'method': 'written'}
  • {'notes': 'Electronic submission accepted', 'method': 'electronic'}
  • {'notes': 'Oral requests accepted in exceptional circumstances', 'method': 'oral'}

Requests to public body holding information. No reasons required. Officials must assist requesters. Oral requests accepted for those unable to submit in writing.

Required Elements

  • Requester identification
  • Description of information sought

Fees

No fee to submit request. Reproduction fees prescribed by regulations. Fees must be reasonable and not obstruct access.

Fee Waivers

  • Fees waived if disclosure is in public interest

Exemptions

  • National Security
    Information affecting national security or defense
  • International Relations
    Information affecting international relations
  • Law Enforcement
    Information prejudicing law enforcement or legal proceedings
  • Commercial Confidentiality
    Trade secrets and commercially confidential information
  • Personal Privacy
    Personal information constituting unreasonable invasion of privacy
  • Cabinet Documents
    Cabinet documents and internal communications
  • Third-Party Information
    Information supplied by third parties in confidence

All exemptions subject to harm test and public interest override. Information must be disclosed if public interest outweighs harm. Severability required.

Appeal Process

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Three-tier process: internal appeal, independent Information Commissioner, judicial review. Commissioner has strong enforcement powers including ability to order disclosure and impose penalties.

Sources & References